General Orthopedics

Orthopedic Specialists of South Florida

Miami Dade and Broward Counties

If you suffer from any of the following orthopedic medical conditions, we encourage you to contact one of our friendly staff members to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon at our facility. We provide outstanding care and services for the treatment of a wide range of physical conditions which are included in the information below. We have board certified and fellowship trained specialists on our staff who are dedicated to providing you with superior orthopedic care.

Arthritis

About 1 in 5 people living in the United States has at least one joint with arthritis signs or symptoms - about half are under the age of 50.

This orthopedic condition limits fine motor activities like threading a needle or tying a shoelace. Arthritis can occur in multiple areas, and an individual arthritis sufferer can have multiple arthritis causes. Arthritis of the hand and wrist is one of the more common cases orthopedic conditions.

Rheumatoid arthritis, is a specific form of arthritis and it is distinguished by its common occurrence in both sides of the body, in multiple locations. Someone with orthopedic rheumatoid arthritis, for example, will likely have symptoms in the hands, feet, hips, knees and elbows.

Joint pain is the most common arthritis symptom. Additionally, it is commonly accompanied by a dull or burning sensation that occurs after increased use. Morning pain and stiffness are also typical arthritis symptoms. Moreover, many people with arthritis complain of increased joint pain with rainy weather.

Bursitis

Bursae are located throughout the body and act as cushions between bones and soft tissues. They contain lubricating fluid that helps the skin to move freely over the underlying bone.

Normally, a bursa is thin and flat. If it becomes irritated or inflamed, though, more fluid accumulates and bursitis will develop. Most commonly located in the elbow, shoulder, hip and knee, bursitis can occur for a number of reasons including trauma, prolonged pressure and infection.

Swelling is often the first symptom of bursitis, followed by pain and/or loose skin. The pain is usually described as sharp and intense. Later, it may feel more achy and spread out.

Fractures

Whether you have a complete or a partial fracture, you have a broken bone. A bone may be fractured, completely or partially, and in any number of ways - cross-wise, lengthwise, in the middle.

The most common fracture causes are trauma, osteoporosis, and overuse.

In a closed or simple fracture, the bone is broken, but the skin in not lacerated. Open or compound fractures occur when the skin is pieced or cut, either from the broken bone, or the event causing the broken bone. Transverse fractures are at a right angle to the long axis of the bone. Fractures on one side of the bone, causing a bend in the other side, are referred to as greenstick fractures, and comminuted fractures result in three or more bone fragments

Hand Rehabilitation

There are many reasons to go through orthopedic rehabilitation of the hand. Trigger finger orthopedic surgery or carpal tunnel syndrome are two afflictions that require exercises to improve hand strength and coordination. The goal is to enable patients to regain function lost due to an injury or problems. Orthopedic rehabilitation will ease your pain and get you back to your everyday activities as soon as possible.

Rehabilitation has a role primarily after an orthopedic surgery. Therapy may include measures for pain management, range of motion exercises, and strengthening exercises. Use of adaptive equipment may also be assessed to assist patients in their daily work functions.

If you suffer from any of the above conditions, it is best to consult with an orthopedic surgeon at our medical center for an assessment and advice about your treatment options.

Ligament Sprains

Sprains and strains are among the most common sports injuries. A sprain is a stretch and / or tear of a ligament. Ligaments stabilize and support joints, enabling people to walk and run.

Pain, bruising, swelling, and inflammation are some of the more common sprain symptoms. At the time of injury, the individual will usually feel a tear or pop in the joint. RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is the first course of action during sprain treatment. It is important, however, in all but mild cases that a medical doctor evaluates the injury to establish a suitable sprain treatment plan.

Muscular Strains

A muscle strain, often referred to as a muscle pull or tear, is a common sports injury. Muscle strains frequently occur in the thigh, groin, and hamstring.

This orthopedic condition is graded according to their severity. A grade 1 muscle strain, for example is mild and usually heals readily; a grade 3 strain is a complete tear of the muscle that may take months to heal.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major orthopedic health problem, affecting 28 million Americans. In fact, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men older than 65 will sustain bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. Many of these are painful fractures of the hip, spine, wrist, arm and leg.

Osteoporosis is characterized by progressive bone loss and is associated with an increased risk of fractures. The orthopedic disease often develops unnoticed, however, with no symptoms or discomfort until a fracture occurs.

Loss of height and the appearance of a dowager's hump (a severely rounded upper back) are also commonly caused by osteoporosis.

Overuse Injuries

Exercise puts repetitive stress on many parts of the body such as muscles, tendons, bursae, cartilage, bones, and nerves. Repetitive stress from such activities can lead to minor orthopedic injuries that will heal with rest. If your body never has a chance to rest, though, those traumas can build up overtime, leaving you prone to overuse injuries.

Common overuse injuries include damage to elbow cartilage in athletes who throw, heel bursitis and stress fractures in runners, nerve entrapment in rowers, and kneecap tendinitis in volleyball players.

Physical Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy plays an integral role in recovery following a variety of orthopedic injuries and surgeries. Therapists develop individualized treatment programs that combine pain management, treatment, and preventative measures. With emphasis on controlling pain and regaining function, mobility, strength and coordination, therapists work closely with the orthopedic surgeons in order to achieve the best outcome possible.

Physical therapy strives to help patients resume the activities they are now missing because of an injury or othopedic problems.

Sports Injuries

Sport injuries can range from mild to severe. Common sports injuries and conditions include contusions, cramps, concussions, hernias, sprains, strains and fractures. They occur in all parts of the body, and a orthopedic surgeon should evaluate the injury to determine the best treatment and rehabilitation.

Among teenagers that participate in high school sports, injuries occur at about the same rate as pro athletes. Injuries that affect this group, however, are often different from those that affect adult athletes. Growth plate injuries and spondylolisthesis, stress fractures of the spine, are just two orthopedic injuries most prevalent in high school athletes.

Tendinitis

Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendon. It is most often reported in the knee, shoulder, elbow, foot, and wrist. Common tendonitis symptoms are pain and weakness. In some cases, orthopedic surgery is necessary to repair the tendon.

Tendon Problems

Tendon injuries range from mild strains to severe tendonitis, ruptures, or tears. Tendon injuries are common in the hand, foot, bicep, thigh and knee, and most prevalent among middle-aged people.

Tendons attach muscle to bone.

Flexor tendon injuries, Achilles tendinitis, and tendon tears are common tendon injuries. A deep cut on the palm side of your fingers, hand, wrist or forearm can damage your flexor tendons. Flexor tendons help control movement in your hand. Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that causes heel pain. Biceps tendon tears can occur at the elbow or shoulder. A patellar tendon tear can be a disabling injury requiring surgery to regain full knee function.